In a recent radio broadcast, a well-know talk show host stated that he did not like the use of the word convert in religion. To him the word had negative connotations. His point is well taken. In cultures around the world, many do not have a choice when it comes to their faith or religious preferences. Death, torture & ostracizing are common tactics used to make sure individuals do not deviate from religious cultural norms. In cultures such as these, how one responds to the call to convert can determine if that individual will live or die. So it is understandable how some may frown on the usage of this word.
As well, it is also true that over time, words tend to change their meaning. What once had a positive meaning can now mean something very different. Sometimes it is necessary for Christians to change their language to fit the culture in which they live. But to be clear, in Christianity, CONVERSION does not mean COERCION. Unlike the "Convert or die” approach of some, the biblical understanding of conversion is much different. Conversion in Scripture simply implies a turning from one direction, faith or way of life to another, or to simply make a change. To be more precise, the biblical call to be converted is a call for sinners to turn from their sins & turn to Christ. However, this turning to Christ must always be of one’s own volition and must never be forced.
During the middle ages, some within the Catholic church twisted Jesus’s words "Compel them” in Luke 14:23 to mean force them to convert. As a result, all sort of evil torture methods were devised to create "converts.” As a result, there exists a very dark stain on church history. While those individuals were not acting on behalf of Jesus, the church will forever be linked with those atrocities. However, the word compel in Scripture literally means to plead with sinners as if you are standing between them and their destruction. It’s a concerned plea for them to turn to Christ. There’s no anger here…no hate… just concerned loved. When love and concern is the true motive of the church, the idea of forcing anyone will be repugnant.
This word "compel” has further implications. It implies that Christians are to give sinners good reasons to come to Christ. Christians should make their case compelling, believable and attractive. Peter challenged believers to be ready to give an answer to those who ask about their hope in Christ (2 Pe 3:15). Solomon wrote that a righteous man will study to give an answer (Pr 15:28). While the initial call to turn from sin may not seem attractive, there ought to be something in the Christian life and experience that is compelling. It’s a case that should be able to be made by a mere observation of the lifestyle and attitude of Christians before anyone ever hear their words.
Know this, the God of Christianity desires the free and willful love of His creation. He takes no pleasure in one sided relationships. He loves us and desires for us to love Him in return. He has raised up his Church to be the agent of his love. He has commissioned his church to go everywhere preaching the good news that there is freedom from the penalty and power of sin if sinners will turn to Christ for mercy. If they reject the message of the church, what then? Kill them? Torture them? Ostracize them? No! Never! Just keep telling them! Tell them with tears! Plead with them as if you are standing between them and their judgment. If they force you out and persecute you, go somewhere else. Don’t stop preaching the message of God’s mercy and love. It’s the only hope for the world.
Peter preached it so well when he said, "Repent and be converted, so that your sins may be washed away” (Ac 3:19). In the end when the entire world stands before God in judgment, the last thing that we need on the record books is all of our sins. God is offering an opportunity for every sinner to have their entire past erased. God is literally saying, "I will forgive and forget every sin if you will turn to me with your whole heart.” This is why Christians preach the message of conversion. It is out of a desire to see everyone saved. Will you be converted? I pray that you will.